In the fall I spoke for a two-day conference, one hour from our home. My faithful and worn out husband was taking the weekend off since arrangements had been made for me to be helped by some others. I had just landed at the DFW airport since I was coming from some speaking engagements in the Midwest. My husband and I parted ways on the curb of the airport, and I was picked up by one of our daughters to go to Ft. Worth. Since I was near three of my daughters, they joined me later that evening at my hotel for some long overdue late night talks and fun.

When leaving the hotel the second day, with my suitcase in hand and my focus on what I was sharing at the next session, I was accompanied by a daughter who will remain anonymous for now. We entered the elevator together when suddenly she saw her sister outside the elevator in need. She stepped out to help her and, you guessed it,…the door closed. There I stood alone in the elevator, not knowing what floor I was staying on, let alone what floor I needed! I knew immediately this would be a story for the records.

Before I could even reach over to find the panel on the elevator, it took off. I sensed it was going downward but not sure if it would be to the lobby or the parking garage.  What could be behind the next door? I McWondered. The door soon opened and a man stood in front of me. As I began to fake seeing and make my way off the elevator, he said, “Ma’am, this is not the lobby.”

I replied cheerily, “Oh could you help me? I have lost my eyesight and my daughter was just with me.” I am sure he really thought me to be definitely blind since no one else was with me. I went on, “She stepped out to help someone else and the doors closed–and here I am! Could you please push the right button to the lobby?”

He willingly offered. I remember hoping at the time that the gentleman had not reverted back to his Jr. High School years and pushed all the buttons on the elevator panel, hoping to give a woman who could not see a thrill. However, soon the door opened again and there stood another man who greeted me with a “Good morning.”

I told my McTales again about being without sight and my daughter stepping out when the doors closed. Once more, I asked, “Could you help me, please?”

I moved out of my joy ride to stable ground as I worked to get my suitcase and purse situated. He offered to carry my bag. He asked, “Would you like to take my arm?” To which I readily accepted his kind offer.

“Where do you want to go?” he asked, as I wondered where exactly he was taking me. I could only hope it was the lobby.

“Oh, just take me to the front door of the hotel. My daughters will eventually find me there.”

While walking with my new escort, I said, “Don’t you think we should exchange names on our blind date.” He laughed and told me his name. I told him mine, as we kept walking.

Within moments we were at the entrance of the lobby. He asked if I wanted him to stay with me, but I encouraged him to go on with his day and thanked him for the good time. As he walked away I wanted to yell to him, “Will I ever see you again? Don’t you even want my number?”  However, not all fully enjoy blind dates like I do.

After many minutes my daughters arrived with the strangest question. “Mom! How did you get here?” Didn’t they know I had somewhere to go?

 What is holding you back from your appointments? Life is not full of obstacles but instead, great stories that make for good books and speaking engagements.  Keep going.  There is a new door about to open to you.

When you choose to look past the horizon… the sky is the limit!